Video: Anticipating questions and preparing answers

It is now time to prepare specific questions for your interview. Remember the purpose of the interview for the organization is twofold; to assess your skills and knowledge; and also determine the cultural fit. We will analyze the job description and develop a list of specific questions you may get in the interview. The first step is to start by analyzing the job description for primary skills and knowledge. Look at the Responsibilities and Qualifications sections to analyze this information.

Ace your interview and land the job you want. Join author Valerie Sutton as she explores the different types of interview questions and styles you might expect, and how to prepare for them by researching the company and practicing your answers. Uncover the best ways to create a good first impression and navigate the interview, as well as handle the tricky questions and identify the unlawful ones. Plus, learn how to assess your own performance, thank the company for their time, and follow up on a decision.

Anticipating questions and preparing answers

It is now time to prepare specific questions for your interview.Remember the purpose of the interview for the organization is twofold;to assess your skills and knowledge;and also determine the cultural fit.We will analyze the job description and develop a list of specific questions youmay get in the interview.The first step is to start by analyzing the job description for primaryskills and knowledge.Look at the Responsibilities and Qualifications sections to analyze this information.

Let's take a look at an example Project Manager description.The four items that would be most important to prepare for include:Leading multiple software development and integration projects in Agile.Scoping projects and managing risk.Estimates projects using multiple techniques.Delivering them on time and on budget.Mentors and guides people.The second step is more elusive in that you have to determine the culture and desired fit.

Look for descriptive words related to culture.In this example it would be "can-do" attitude, take charge of conferenceroom, and unflappable.If there are not words related to culture in the description, then you may wantto schedule an informational interview.You can now create sample questions based on the three types.Let's begin with the knowledge and skills.For example, a Behavioral Question would be, "Give me an example of a project youhave scoped and how have you managed the risk."A Situation Question would be, "Walk us through how you would scope the projectand manage the risk."And finally, a Resume-based Question, "Your resume states you managed the Agileprojects successfully; tell us more about it."You can also prepare questions for the cultural fit.

In our example they are looking for a "can-do" attitude and someone that is unflappable.They may ask a Behavioral Question like, "Give us an example of where you havepushed through an idea."Or a Situational Question like, "How would you push through an idea at this organization?"Or a Resume-based Question, "You mentioned on your resume that you initiated aproject, how did you do this?"Now it is time to prepare answers for your sample questions.It's important to have good examples lined up to showcase your skills andknowledge for each of the responsibilities.

Remember to be detailed in your answer.Use SAR as a way to prepare and make your answers stronger.Describe the Situation, explain your Action, and let them know the Results.Although you can't anticipate every question, this will give you a strongstarting point to prepare.In the next movie, we'll talk about effective techniques that you can useto practice.

Find answers to the most frequently asked questions about Acing Your Interview .

Learn by watching, listening, and doing, Exercise files are the same files the author uses in the course, so you can download them and follow along Premium memberships include access to all exercise files in the library.

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Learn by watching, listening, and doing! Exercise files are the same files the author uses in the course, so you can download them and follow along. Exercise files are available with all Premium memberships.
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